No. 2 small employer: Ice cream topped with compassion

At Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, kindness from the top

Updated 10:44 pm, Saturday, April 21, 2012

Rich Wilson of Ben & Jerry's, left, serves frozen treats to CPA Leslie Samiof, right, and firm partner Steve Cardinal to celebrate the end of corporate tax season on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte in Albany, N.Y. The firm was voted a top place to work. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Rich Wilson of Ben & Jerry's, left, serves frozen treats to CPA...

Receptionist Sherry Davis tends to business at the front desk on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte in Albany, N.Y. The firm was voted a top place to work. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Receptionist Sherry Davis tends to business at the front desk on...

CPA Dave Mahserjian, left, makes copies on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte in Albany, N.Y. The firm was voted a top place to work. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

CPA Dave Mahserjian, left, makes copies on Thursday, March 15,...

Partner Christine Oliver works in her office on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte in Albany, N.Y. The firm was voted a top place to work. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Partner Christine Oliver works in her office on Thursday, March 15,...

Partner Pat Scisci works in his office on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte in Albany, N.Y. The firm was voted a top place to work. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Partner Pat Scisci works in his office on Thursday, March 15, 2012,...

Senior CPA Greg Galla, left, works in an adjoined cubicle on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte in Albany, N.Y. The firm was voted a top place to work. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Senior CPA Greg Galla, left, works in an adjoined cubicle on...

Administration manager Gail Watson works in her office on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte in Albany, N.Y. The firm was voted a top place to work. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Administration manager Gail Watson works in her office on Thursday,...

But she didn't want her difficult time to affect her job at accounting firm Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, so she said she talked to management about it.

As receptionist, Davis is the first voice to greet visitors and callers at the firm, and she said her bosses were understanding and compassionate during her rough time.

It's one reason why Davis decided to nominate the firm as a Top Workplace.

"It's just a great place," she said. "The work you do is appreciated."

Last month, the firm celebrated hard work with an afternoon ice cream party. Employees were treated to Ben & Jerry's sundaes to commemorate the end of corporate tax season.

Workers lined up at the Washington Avenue Extension building for their choice of chocolate or vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge or caramel, sprinkles and whipped cream. "Last year we did a fondue party," Marketing Manager Katie Farrow said.

The party is one of several ways the firm rewards employees for hard work during tax season, when accountants typically work about 55 hours a week, including Saturdays. On those Saturdays, a catered lunch is provided.

In the summer, workers get every other Friday off.

Throughout the year, the firm organizes a party to commemorate the end of tax season, a picnic and two holiday parties as well as weekly ways for employees to participate in charity and win perks such as bottles of wine and tickets to Siena College basketball games.

The day after tax season officially ends, employees get to stay home.

"I don't think I've ever come to work regretting that I have to work," partner Pat Scisci said.

The firm, founded in 1971, has about 70 year-round employees, but the number swells to 84 during tax season, when interns or previously retired employees come back to help with the increased demand.

Fifteen of the firm's employees have been there 25 years or more and the office on Washington Avenue Extension is its only branch.

Employees enthusing about their jobs don't just rattle off the list of perks, but are quick to mention the casual atmosphere and friendly co-workers.

"Everyone is willing to answer questions," said Allyson Herrington, an administrative support employee who started in January. "It makes for a very nice environment."

For Gail Watson, an administrative manager at the firm, co-workers' generosity extended to her daughter when she was serving in Iraq. At Christmas, the entire firm sent cards overseas.

"We try to be good to our people," managing partner Bob Kind said. "You don't want to be buried in the books all the time."

Kind said the firm rarely loses employees to another firm, and even those who go off to start families often end up coming back.

"We're not very stuffy," Scisci said. "It's a very nice balance of hard work and a casual atmosphere."